Dental hygiene device

ABSTRACT

A dental device is disclosed, wherein the dental device includes a base portion, a maneuverable head portion, and a plurality of bristles for improved dental cleaning and minimization of physical movement associated with dental cleaning.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/036,982 filed Mar. 16, 2008 and theentirety of the contents of this application being hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to oral hygiene products and more particularly tooral hygiene devices for improved dental cleansing and oral healthmanagement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well established that improved levels of oral hygiene requireconsistent and thorough cleansing of the teeth and gums. Failure tomaintain adequate dental hygiene practices can result in plaquebuild-up, tooth decay and loss, gum deterioration, periodontal diseaseand a myriad of additional dental health issues. Recent research furthersuggests that poor oral hygiene can allow deleterious bacteria to enterthe bloodstream causing additional health issues in other parts of thebody. Oral health may also serve as an indicator to overall health.While many consumers continue to rely on a standard toothbrush as aprimary source of dental care, compositions and devices that simplifyoral health care or improve the quality of oral health care areincreasingly common and necessary.

Despite the well-known utility associated with a standard toothbrush,the basic design of a standard toothbrush often results in inadequatecleaning. Many individuals do not take the substantial time orsubstantial effort required to effectively clean their teeth and gumswith the limited functionality of a standard toothbrush. Individualsalso often fail to make the mental effort to identify and recall whatareas of the mouth have been adequately brushed and what areas have not.As a result, many spots within in the mouth are difficult to access witha standard toothbrush and over time these area collect unwantedbacteria.

Further, a standard toothbrush may not be ideal for any individuals whodo not have maximum control and dexterity of their hands and arms, suchas small children, senior citizens, handicapped individuals or anyonehaving compromised movement of their hands and arms. These individualsmay have a substantial number of spots within their mouth that arenearly impossible to access based upon their physical limitations. Thecombination of these physical limitations and the functional limitationsof the standard toothbrush put these individuals at an increased riskfor severe dental health issues.

In response to the lack of precision associated with standardtoothbrushes, a number of alternative toothbrushes have been producedwith angled parts, specially designed and arranged bristles, andmechanical and sonic power capabilities. While these improvements mayaid in the ability to access areas of the mouth that were previouslyinaccessible, they still require a significant investment of time andeffort. Moreover, they still require substantial mobility of the handsand arms for proper use, such that these improvements often fail toenhance the cleansing capabilities of those having the physicallimitations discussed above.

Additional brushes have been developed so that they contact thesubstantial entirety of a user's mouth in an effort to limit themovement effort required of a user. Such brushes are disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,224,710; 5,337,435; 6,223,761; and 6,353,956, allincorporated by reference herein for all purposes. However, such brushesare often difficult to use and fail to sufficiently conform to thecontours of each individual mouth, resulting in areas of the mouth thatare not effectively cleansed.

Consequently, there is a need for oral cleaning devices that limit theamount of time and effort required of a user, while still providingsubstantial ability to contact and effectively cleanse all areas of themouth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention contemplates a dental devicecomprising: a base portion having a power source; an attachment portion;a head portion having a curved inner edge with opposing sides and av-shape comprising an apex and two distal ends, such that the distancefrom one side of the curved inner edge to the opposing side of thecurved inner edge increases from the apex toward the distal ends; atleast one dental tray; and a plurality of bristles located within the atleast one dental tray.

This aspect may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe following features: the head portion includes a mechanism forallowing movement and adjustment so that the head portion is adapted forsimplified oral entry and exit and for ideal fit within a wide range ofmouth shapes, the mechanism for allowing movement and adjustmentincludes a hinge located at the apex of the head portion so that thehead portion can collapse such that the distance between opposing sidesof the curved inner edge is reduced via activation of the hinge, thebase portion includes a means for controlling the activation of thehinge, the mechanism for allowing movement and adjustment includes aflexible substrate located between the opposing sides of the curvedinner edge so that the head portion can flex to be collapsed for entryinto a mouth and subsequently expanded for ideal fit within the mouth,the flexible substrate is elastic in nature, the base portion includes ameans for controlling the collapse and expansion of the head portion,the base portion, the attachment portion, or both, can be separated fromthe head portion during use, during storage, or both, the head portionfurther includes a top dental tray and a bottom dental tray such thatboth dental trays include two side walls and both dental trays share onebase portion, the side walls and base portion of both dental trays servea housing for a plurality of bristles, the top dental tray conforms to auser's upper teeth so that the bristles housed on both side wallscontact the upper teeth and the bottom dental tray conforms to a user'slower teeth so that the bristles housed on both side walls contact thelower teeth, the side walls of both dental trays are arranged at anoblique angle in relation to the base portion, the bristles housed inthe base portion are arranged perpendicular to the base portion and thebristles housed in the side walls are arranged perpendicular to the sidewalls.

In a second aspect, the present invention contemplates a dental devicecomprising: a base portion having a power source; an attachment portion;a head portion having: a top dental tray and a bottom dental tray,wherein both dental trays include an inner and an outer side wall andone shared base portion so that the inner and outer side walls arearranged at an oblique angle in relation to the base portion; a curvedinner edge with opposing sides, such that the curved inner edgecorresponds with the inner side wall of the top and bottom dental trays;and a v-shape comprising an apex and two distal ends, wherein thedistance from one side of the curved inner edge to the opposing side ofthe curved inner edge increases from the apex toward the distal ends; aplurality of bristles housed in both the side walls and shared baseportion of the dental trays, wherein the bristles housed in the sidewalls are located perpendicular to the side walls and the bristleshoused in the base portion are arranged perpendicular to the baseportion; wherein the head portion includes a hinge portion for allowingmovement and adjustment so that the head portion is adapted forsimplified oral entry and exit and for ideal fit within a wide range ofmouth shapes.

In yet another aspect, the present invention contemplates a method forimproving oral hygiene comprising: providing a dental cleaning devicehaving a base portion, a power source and a head portion, wherein thehead portion includes one or more dental trays housing bristles;activating a means within the dental cleaning device so that the headportion of the dental cleaning device collapses for simplified insertioninto a mouth; allowing the head portion of the dental cleaning device toadjust and move within the mouth so that the head portion and one ormore dental trays align with the contours of the mouth and teeth;activating the power source so that one or more of the bristles and oneor more trays are engaged in repetitive motion; de-activating the powersource so that any movement of one or more of the bristles and one ormore trays ceases; activating the means within the dental cleaningdevice so that the head portion of the dental cleaning device collapsesfor simplified removal from the mouth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the brushing device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top-down view of a portion of the brushing device.

FIG. 3 illustrates the brushing device as viewed downward from the headportion.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view of the brushing device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of the head portion.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side profile view of the brushing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the invention herein contemplates a device and method forimproved oral hygiene which includes a brushing device and power source.The brushing device provides reduced physical effort and improvedcleansing capability.

The brushing device of the present invention preferably includes a baseportion, an attachment portion, a head portion, and a plurality ofbristles. The base portion connects to the attachment portion whichconnects to the head portion that houses the bristles.

The base portion 22 is the means by which the user of the brushingdevice holds or otherwise controls the brushing device 20. In preferredembodiments, the base portion 22 will be cylindrical in shape orsubstantially cylindrical in shape for ease of holding by a user. Thebase portion may also include one or more specialized gripping surfaceslocated at positions along the base portion where a user is likely tocontact the base portion. The base portion may also be formed tocorrespond to the shape and contour of a human hand for ease of use. Thebase portion may include shaping to adjust to left-handed users,right-handed users, or both. A rigid loop may also be included on thebase portion so that it can easily be grasped by an individual withlimited movement capabilities. The base portion may also be shaped sothat it is easily gripped and maneuvered by an individual other than theuser in the event that the user is incapable of grasping the baseportion. The base portion may also be adjustable so that the grip iscustomizable to the preference of the user. The adjustable nature mayfurther allow for the base portion to be collapsible for storagepurposes. In preferred embodiments, the base portion is constructed froma substantially rigid material. In particularly preferred embodiments,the base portion 22 includes a power source such as a battery or powercord housed within the base portion. The power source provides formovement capabilities of one or more portions of the brushing device 20.In preferred embodiments, the power provides for ultrasonic power andmovement of the brushing device. Preferably, the base portion 22 furtherincludes a mechanism 40 for controlling the movement of the brushingdevice. The mechanism may be a button, a switch, a lever or the like.The mechanism may also be capable of controlling the speed or directionof movement of the brushing device.

In preferred embodiments, the base portion 22 is connected to anattachment portion 24. The attachment portion is further connected tothe head portion 28. The attachment portion 24 may also include areas 42designed to facilitate secure connection to the base portion 22, thehead portion 28, or both. The attachment portion 24 may be any shapecapable of connecting the base portion 22 with the head portion 28,while still providing the user with sufficient leverage for maneuveringthe brushing device 20. In preferred embodiments, the attachment portion24 is constructed of the same material as the base portion 22. Theattachment portion 24 may also be capable of detaching from the baseportion 22, the head portion 28, or both. Detachment may allow formultiple users to utilize the same base portion while replacing theattachment portion and head portion or alternatively, just the headportion. Detachment may further facilitate the ability to replace onlythe head portion, or alternatively the head portion and attachmentportion once the head portion begins to show signs of wear. Theattachment portion may also be retractable, such that it retracts intothe base portion.

The head portion 28 of the cleaning device includes one or more dentaltrays 34 that house a plurality of bristles 30. Preferably, the headportion 28 is v-shaped having an apex 44 and two distal ends 46 of the“v”. The v-shape closely follows the contours of a mouth such that thedistance between the opposing sides of the “v” increases (e.g. widens)in moving from the apex down to the distal ends of the “V”. The headportion 28 is sufficiently large that it corresponds with the shape andsize of a user's mouth and teeth. Preferably the head portion 28includes two dental trays 34, each having an inner side wall 36 and anouter side wall 38 and both trays sharing the same base portion 50. Theside walls are preferably arranged at an oblique angle in relation tothe base portion. The head portion 28 may also include only one dentaltray having an inner side wall, and outer side wall and a base portion.The head portion 28 may also be provided in a range of different sizesto accommodate the mouth sizes of adults and children.

In preferred embodiments the bristles 30 are located within both sidewalls and the base portion of the dental tray. More preferably, thebristles 30 are arranged perpendicular to the side wall or base portionin which they are located. Even more preferably, the bristles arearranged so that at least some of the bristles contact the tooth or gumsurface at a 45 degree angle. The bristles 30 may also be arranged at anoblique angle in relation to the side wall or base portion in which theyare located. The side walls and base portion of the dental trays mayalso include bristles at varying angles such that all bristles need notbe placed at the same angle as any adjacent bristles. The bristles 30may also only be located in one dental tray such that the brushingdevice may be turned over during use. The head portion 28 may bedetachable from the attachment portion, the base portion, or both. Inone embodiment, the head portion may include a power source within, suchthat the head portion may operate without attachment to any additionalparts. The head portion, attachment portion and base portion may also beone continuous unit and that unit may also be disposable.

The bristles 30 are the part of the head portion used to remove debrisand bacteria from a user's teeth, gums and mouth. The bristles can be avariety of different lengths, thicknesses, materials and rigidity.Preferably, the bristles are of an appropriate length that they do notextend beyond the limits of the side walls and base portion of thedental trays. However, the bristles may also be longer so that theyextend slightly beyond the confines of the dental trays. The thicknessand rigidity may vary depending on the needs of a user. As an example,the bristles may be thin, soft and flexible to account for a user withsensitive gums or teeth. The bristles may also be thicker and lessflexible for more resilient cleaning capability. Preferably, thebristles located within a head portion may vary depending on where theyare located within the dental trays. For example, the bristles locatedin the base portion of the dental tray may be thicker and less flexiblethat those located in the side walls of the dental tray. The baseportion may include bristles of varying length, thickness and rigidity.The bristles located in the side walls may be of varying length,thickness and rigidity.

The number of bristles located within the dental trays may also vary.The location of the bristles within the dental trays may also vary.Preferably, the side walls and base portion of each dental tray containa number of connection sites where the bristles are attached to thedental trays. More preferably, the bristles are arranged in clusters,each cluster located within a particular connection site. Eachconnection site may also contain only one bristle. The connection sitesmay be located directly adjacent to additional connection sites or maybe located with a predetermined amount of space between each connectionsite. Preferably, the connection sites are arranged in pattern thatallows the bristles within to contact with a maximum number of surfaceswithin a user's mouth.

In preferred embodiments, the bristles are permanently attached to thedental trays which are integrally formed with the head portion. However,the bristles may be detachable and replaceable. Alternatively, thedental trays may be detachable and replaceable so that the dental trayscan be removed after use and wear and replaced with new dental trays.These removable dental trays may be friction-fit within the head portionor may require an attachment mechanism or adhesive for secure placementwithin the head portion.

In preferred embodiments, the head portion 28 includes a means thatallows the dental trays to collapse or move. This means can simplifyoral entry and exit by changing the shape of the head portion. Thismeans may further allow for the location of the dental trays to adjustwithin the mouth so that the head portion may be adjusted to more aptlyfit a wide range of mouth sizes and configurations. Preferably, thismeans may result locating the dental trays in an ideal manner such thatthe bristles within the trays are in continuous contact with a tooth orgum surface during use of the brushing device. The means for collapsingthe dental trays may include a hinge. The hinge may be located at theapex of the v-shaped head portion so that the two distal ends of thehead portion can be pinched together to collapse or narrow the headportion. The hinge may further include a spring mechanism so that thedistal ends of the head portion easily return to their pre-collapselocation once the head portion is located within a user's mouth. Thehinge may be designed so that it has only one open position and oneclosed position wherein the head portion may only be collapsed to oneform and expanded to one form. Preferably, the hinge may be designed sothat the head portion may embody a wide range of positions. This willallow the head portion to collapse and expand once located within auser's mouth to account for a range of mouth shapes and sizes. A springfunction may also be useful in such an embodiment so that the headportion remains taut enough to provide adequate cleaning capabilitywhile still providing a requisite amount of flexibility.

The means for allowing the collapse and movement of the dental trays mayalso include a thin flexible substrate attached to the head portion atsome point between the apex and distal ends of the v-shape. The flexiblesubstrate may also cover the entire open area of the v-shaped headportion, such that the flexible substrate may contact the top of auser's tongue during use of the brushing device. The flexible substratemay allow the head portion and dental trays to be collapsed forsimplified oral entry and exit and may further allow for ideal fitwithin a user's mouth. The means may also employ any mechanism that canbe integrated into the head portion of the brushing device that allowsfor the head portion to be maneuvered from one position or shape toanother position or shape.

The means for allowing the collapse and movement of the dental trays mayrequire manual activation, requiring a user to pinch the head portion atthe apex so that the distal ends of the head portion are broughttogether during entry of the head portion into the mouth and exit fromthe mouth once brushing is completed. Preferably, the base portion, theattachment portion or the head portion may include a button, lever, orswitch that activates the means. As an example, if the head portionincludes a hinge at the apex, the base portion may include a lever thatwhen contacted by a user causes the hinge to activate and collapse thehead portion. The lever my then be contacted again to cause the hinge toreturn to its pre-collapse location.

The head portion, the attachment portion, or both may also be producedand sold as a separate item for attachment to an existing batterypowered base portion. The head portion, the attachment portion, or bothmay be configured for attachment to one or more existing base portions.The head portion, the attachment portion and the base portion may alsobe integrally formed for permanent attachment to one another.

The brushing device may also include a storage container. Any of thebase portion, attachment portion and head portion may be stored withinthe storage container. As previously disclosed, any of the base portion,attachment portion, and head portion may be adjustable to a smaller sizefor storage purposes. The storage container may further include a meansfor sanitizing the head portion or any part of the head portionincluding but not limited to the dental trays and bristles.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, oreven consist of, the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps. Likewise, any reference to “first” or“second” items is not intended to foreclose additional items (e.g.,third, fourth, or more items); such additional items are alsocontemplated, unless otherwise stated.

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present invention as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the inventionshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

1. A dental device comprising: i. a base portion having a power source;ii. an attachment portion; iii. a head portion having a curved inneredge with opposing sides and a v-shape comprising an apex and two distalends, such that the distance from one side of the curved inner edge tothe opposing side of the curved inner edge increases from the apextoward the distal ends; iv. at least one dental tray; and v. a pluralityof bristles located within the at least one dental tray.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the head portion includes a mechanism for allowingmovement and adjustment so that the head portion is adapted forsimplified oral entry and exit and for ideal fit within a wide range ofmouth shapes.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the mechanism forallowing movement and adjustment includes a hinge located at the apex ofthe head portion so that the head portion can collapse such that thedistance between opposing sides of the curved inner edge is reduced viaactivation of the hinge.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the baseportion includes a means for controlling the activation of the hinge. 5.The device of claim 2, wherein the mechanism for allowing movement andadjustment includes a flexible substrate located between the opposingsides of the curved inner edge so that the head portion can flex to becollapsed for entry into a mouth and subsequently expanded for ideal fitwithin the mouth.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the flexiblesubstrate is elastic in nature.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein thebase portion includes a means for controlling the collapse and expansionof the head portion.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the base portion,the attachment portion, or both, can be separated from the head portionduring use, during storage, or both.
 9. The device of claim 1, whereinthe head portion further includes a top dental tray and a bottom dentaltray such that both dental trays include two side walls and both dentaltrays share one base portion.
 10. The device of claim 3, wherein thehead portion further includes a top dental tray and a bottom dental traysuch that both dental trays include two side walls and both dental traysshare one base portion.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the sidewalls and base portion of both dental trays serve as a housing for aplurality of bristles.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the sidewalls and base portion of both dental trays serve a housing for aplurality of bristles.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the topdental tray conforms to a user's upper teeth so that the bristles housedon both side walls contact the upper teeth and the bottom dental trayconforms to a user's lower teeth so that the bristles housed on bothside walls contact the lower teeth.
 14. The device of claim 12, whereinthe top dental tray conforms to a user's upper teeth so that thebristles housed on both side walls contact the upper teeth and thebottom dental tray conforms to a user's lower teeth so that the bristleshoused on both side walls contact the lower teeth.
 15. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the side walls of both dental trays are arranged at anoblique angle in relation to the base portion.
 16. The device of claim12, wherein the side walls of both dental trays are arranged at anoblique angle in relation to the base portion.
 17. The device of claim11, wherein the bristles housed in the base portion are arrangedperpendicular to the base portion and the bristles housed in the sidewalls are arranged perpendicular to the side walls.
 18. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the bristles housed in the base portion are arrangedperpendicular to the base portion and the bristles housed in the sidewalls are arranged perpendicular to the side walls.
 19. A dental devicecomprising: i. a base portion having a power source; ii. an attachmentportion; iii. a head portion having: a. a top dental tray and a bottomdental tray, wherein both dental trays include an inner and an outerside wall and one shared base portion so that the inner and outer sidewalls are arranged at an oblique angle in relation to the base portion;b. a curved inner edge with opposing sides, such that the curved inneredge corresponds with the inner side wall of the top and bottom dentaltrays; and c. a v-shape comprising an apex and two distal ends, whereinthe distance from one side of the curved inner edge to the opposing sideof the curved inner edge increases from the apex toward the distal ends;iv. a plurality of bristles housed in both the side walls and sharedbase portion of the dental trays, wherein the bristles housed in theside walls are located perpendicular to the side walls and the bristleshoused in the base portion are arranged perpendicular to the baseportion; wherein the head portion includes a hinge portion for allowingmovement and adjustment so that the head portion is adapted forsimplified oral entry and exit and for ideal fit within a wide range ofmouth shapes.
 20. A method for improving oral hygiene comprising: i.providing a dental cleaning device having a base portion, a power sourceand a head portion, wherein the head portion includes one or more dentaltrays housing bristles; ii. activating a means within the dentalcleaning device so that the head portion of the dental cleaning devicecollapses for simplified insertion into a mouth; iii. allowing the headportion of the dental cleaning device to adjust and move within themouth so that the head portion and one or more dental trays align withthe contours of the mouth and teeth; iv. activating the power source sothat one or more of the bristles and one or more trays are engaged inrepetitive motion; v. de-activating the power source so that anymovement of one or more of the bristles and one or more trays ceases;vi. activating the means within the dental cleaning device so that thehead portion of the dental cleaning device collapses for simplifiedremoval from the mouth.